BMW’s first-ever X2 unveiled

In Photo: The BMW X2 XDrive20D M Sport X gets a positive response from the media and other guests who attended the event.

Story & Photos by Patrick P. Tulfo

BMW, now under the helm of Ramon S. Ang-led San Miguel Corp., launched the first-ever BMW X2 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) at the BMW Joyfest 2018, which was held recently at the parking lot of 9th Avenue corner and 30th Street at the Bonifacio Global City.

It gets its motivations from the BMW Twin Power Turbo Diesel engine that pumps out 190 hp and 400 N-m of torque.

In her speech before the unveiling, Maricar Parco, president of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., proudly said, “While there are several exciting things about the Joyfest, we are most excited about introducing the newest member of our Sports Activity Vehicle [SAV] lineup or what we call the X-range, and this is because of the first-ever BMW X2. As you know, the X-model family is a true success story, the letter X has become the symbol of an entirely new vehicle category.” She added, “Since 1999, the year the first X5 came to the market, we’ve sold over 5.4 million X models already. Last year alone, the share of the sports activity vehicles or X models regarding BMW sales was around 34 percent, with BMW X sales rising by almost 10 percent by the end of the year. We are continuously developing this model range in the country with the increase in demand for aesthetic yet functional premium vehicles in mind.”

The X2 is a head-turner, indeed; it is sporty yet elegant. Its styling cues include wheel arches with squared-look that perfectly matches the standard 19-inch M Light alloy wheels, dual-exhaust pipes, accentuated skirts that is not only good-looking but aids in SAV’s aerodynamics, as well.

The dashboard features large instrument clusters and is ergonomically designed.

The coupe-like styling also features slim windows and a steeply raked windshield. The trademark twin trapezoidal kidney grill is now inverted, the first-ever BMW to do so. BMW fanatics will remember the company’s much-loved classics, such as the 2000 CS and the 3.0 CSL coupe’s when they see the BMW logo placed on the C-pillar.

Meanwhile, its interior is loaded to the brim, as one can expect from a company that builds premium cars. The abundant use of high-class materials, such as a combination of micro hexagon fabric and the famous Alcantara Anthracite leather with contrast stitching on the seats and door panels lend a luxurious feel. The dashboard features large instrument clusters that make it easy for the driver to monitor the vehicle’s speed without taking his eyes off the road. The dash was designed in such a way that it orients toward the driver, making it easy to reach the controls of the aircon and the entertainment system.

The standard lighting package is another feature worth mentioning, as it gives the owner the power to choose from different colors, such as orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and white.

Maricar Parco welcomes the media at thestart of the event.

Aside from a luxurious interior, the first-ever X2 also features cutting-edge technology like the parking assistant. This advance feature makes parking a breeze as it identifies suitable parking space and, if one wishes, automatically maneuvers the vehicle in the space perfectly. The classy car key fob is easily detected by the comfort access system even when it is inside a briefcase, providing for a hassle-free entry to the vehicle.

And, finally, the X2 boasts of 407 liters of boot space, providing more than ample space, for luggage when one wants a quick getaway on weekends.

Power comes from BMW’s Twin Power Turbo diesel engine that is rated at 190 hp and 400 N-m of torque that is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and responsive gear shifting, when combined with BMW’s patented X-drive intelligent all wheel drive, removes the guessing game when going off-road. The BMW X2 promises to deliver a unique driving experience to its owners both on and off the road. The X2 Xdrive20D M Sport X is competitively priced at P4.390 million.